Retroid Pocket 4 and 4 Pro, released in 2024, entered the market with a bold promise: to combine portability, power, and versatility in a single device, raising the bar for Android handheld consoles. With an ambitious approach, it delivers an emulation experience that impresses—especially in PlayStation 2 performance—breaking a long-standing barrier for compact devices. Now, a year after launch, the model has received a significant price cut, making it an excellent choice for those seeking high performance without spending much. If you're wondering whether it's still worth it in 2025, this review will help you decide.
Retroid Pocket 4 and 4 Pro Design: A Blend of Nostalgia and Modernity
The design of the Retroid Pocket 4 strikes a stylish balance between retro charm and modern aesthetics, featuring smooth lines, improved ergonomics, and clear inspiration from the Nintendo Switch Lite. Its shape was crafted for comfort during extended gaming sessions, offering a firm and pleasant grip. The high-quality ABS plastic build ensures durability without sacrificing lightness.
The Pro model introduces subtle aesthetic upgrades, such as a matte finish and textured buttons, enhancing the device’s premium feel. With dimensions of 184.8 x 82.6 x 15.8 mm and a weight of 261 g, it maintains a compact and balanced profile—perfect for portability and long-term use.
Retroid Pocket 4 and 4 Pro Controls: Premium and Swappable
The controls are one of the standout features of the Retroid Pocket 4, offering a refined and responsive experience. Equipped with dual Hall Effect analog sticks, the console ensures high precision and superior durability compared to traditional mechanical sticks, minimizing wear over time. The ABXY buttons are swappable, with a firm and snappy tactile response, delivering comfort and agility during gameplay. The layout also includes Select, Start, Printscreen, and Home buttons, all well-positioned for easy navigation and quick access to essential functions.
The analog L2/R2 triggers are another key highlight, allowing for nuanced control in games that require sensitivity, such as racing and FPS titles. This feature expands compatibility with modern games and enhances immersion in genres that rely on pressure variation.
Retroid Pocket 4 and 4 Pro Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2
Connectivity on the Retroid Pocket 4 is modern and comprehensive, offering features that elevate the user experience. With support for Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2, the console ensures fast and stable connections—ideal for online multiplayer, Xcloud and GeForce Now streaming, and wireless accessories like headphones and external controllers. The USB-C port enables fast charging and also supports monitor connections via HDMI adapters, expanding its usability across different setups.
Additionally, the device includes a micro HDMI port, making it easy to output 1080p video to TVs and monitors, allowing seamless transition from handheld to big-screen gaming. The microSD card slot enables storage expansion, perfect for building a personalized library of games and ROMs.
Retroid Pocket 4 and 4 Pro Display: 4.7-Inch 1334x750p Screen
The screen is one of the console’s strongest assets. The 4.7-inch IPS panel with a resolution of 1334x750 delivers vibrant colors, great contrast, and excellent viewing angles, ensuring game visuals are sharp and immersive. The brightness is sufficient for comfortable outdoor use, making it ideal for gaming anywhere without compromising visibility.
Its 16:9 aspect ratio is especially beneficial for most modern games and perfectly suited for PlayStation 2 and GameCube titles, which were originally designed in this format. This avoids visual distortion and offers a more authentic and immersive experience.
Retroid Pocket 4 and 4 Pro Battery: 5000mAh Lasting Up to 8 Hours
Battery life is another strong point. With a 5000mAh capacity, the console offers between 5 to 8 hours of continuous use, depending on the game type, emulator, and screen brightness.
Charging via USB-C supports Power Delivery, allowing a full charge in under two hours. The console also features an active cooling system with a fan, helping maintain optimal temperature during heavy use, preventing performance drops and extending component lifespan.
Retroid Pocket 4 and 4 Pro Performance: Dimensity 1100 and Dimensity 900
Performance on the Retroid Pocket 4 is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 900 chip, Mali-G68 MC4 GPU, 4 GB LPDDR4X RAM, and 128 GB UFS 2.2 storage. This setup runs emulators smoothly—from Atari to many PlayStation 2 titles—delivering a solid experience for retro and modern emulation. The UFS 2.2 storage also ensures fast loading and snappy navigation.
The Pro model steps up with the Dimensity 1100, 8 GB RAM, and the same 128 GB storage, offering better performance in demanding PS2 and even Nintendo Wii titles, with improved stability and frame rates. Both models support microSD expansion, allowing thousands of games to be stored.
Operating System + Emulation Platforms on Retroid Pocket 4 and 4 Pro
Running Android 13 with a custom interface, the Retroid Pocket 4 provides full access to the Play Store and compatibility with a wide range of emulators and apps, letting users explore everything from classic games to modern streaming and productivity tools.
Perfectly supported consoles:
- 8 and 16-bit: NES, Master System, Super Nintendo, Mega Drive
- 32 and 64-bit: PlayStation 1, Dreamcast, Nintendo 64
- Sixth Generation: PlayStation 2, GameCube
- Handhelds: Game Boy, Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance, Neo Geo Pocket, Nintendo DS
- Arcades: CPS, FBA, MAME
- And more
Partially supported consoles:
- Seventh Generation: Nintendo Wii
- Handhelds: Nintendo 3DS, PlayStation Vita
Retroid Pocket 4 and 4 Pro Pricing
The Retroid Pocket 4 is currently available for $139 on sale, while the Pro model can be purchased for $149 directly from the official Retroid website, making it the most affordable and complete console capable of running PlayStation 2 emulators and even native Android games with solid performance.
Is the Retroid Pocket 4 Pro Worth It in 2025? Final Thoughts and Alternatives
The Retroid Pocket 4 Pro has become the best choice for advanced emulation under $150 in 2025. Powered by the Dimensity 1100, 8 GB RAM, and 128 GB UFS 2.2 storage, it runs PlayStation 2, GameCube, and even many Nintendo Wii titles smoothly—something rare in handhelds at this price point. The 4.7-inch IPS screen, Hall Effect analogs, and Android 13 interface make it a versatile and modern console. Plus, full connectivity with Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, USB-C, and micro HDMI reinforces its mission to combine power, portability, and multifunctionality.
Alternatives to Retroid Pocket 4 Pro
- Retroid Pocket 5: Comes with Snapdragon 865, 5.5-inch OLED screen, Android 13, and a superior design. Offers better emulation for PS3 and Switch, but is $50 more.
- Anbernic RG556: Uses the weaker Unisoc T820 chip, features a 5.48-inch AMOLED screen, and a more rugged design at a similar price.
- Anbernic RG557: Equipped with the powerful Dimensity 8300, 5.48-inch AMOLED screen, and 8 GB RAM. Runs PS2, Wii, and even many Nintendo Switch titles with better stability, but costs slightly more.
